Epoch Biodesign
Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable. Using a unique combination of AI, synthetic biology and green chemistry, we are scaling enzymatic recycling processes to transform unrecyclable plastics into new sustainable materials and chemical building blocks. These processes yield substantial reductions in carbon emissions and prevent waste from entering landfill or the environment. They also generate disruptive unit economics, allowing us to scale our solutions quickly to solve this urgent challenge. We’re already working with major players across polymer manufacturing, fashion and automotive, and are scaling up to our first demo production facility in 2025.
We're seeking an experienced and innovative process engineering professional to join our Process team. We work in relatively small teams, so there is an opportunity to make a real difference. We're all passionate about sustainability and the environment.
Epoch Biodesign head office is in London.
Find out more at www.epochbiodesign.com
Role
Reporting to the Head of Scale-Up, you will play a crucial role in developing and scaling up processes for the enzymatic depolymerisation and repolymerisation of polymers.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge solutions that address global sustainability challenges while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Responsibilities
Process Development:
- Design and conduct experiments focused on enzymatic depolymerisation and repolymerisation of plastics.
- Lead in-house trials and experiments at OEM partner sites.
- Collect and analyse data, perform detailed engineering calculations, and produce formal engineering/technical reports.
Scale-Up and Product Development:
- Manage the design, research, and development of new products from initial concepts to prototyping, pre-production, and final release.
- Contribute to process design, scale-up, full plant design, and commissioning efforts.
Leadership and Problem Solving:
- Lead problem-solving activities to address engineering challenges.
- An aspiration to manage and mentor junior engineers, fostering their growth and development.
Collaboration and Customer Engagement:
- Participate in technical meetings and handle discussions with customers and colleagues.
- Demonstrate customer focus by responding to needs while meeting project and business objectives
Essential Expertise and Background
Education and Certification:
- Master’s degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline
- Chartered Chemical Engineer status (desirable)
Industry Experience:
- Minimum of 3 to 7 years of industrial experience in process and product development.
- Expertise in process design, scaling up operations, and full plant design and commissioning.
- Hands-on experience with processing and formulation equipment, plant layouts, and equipment design/sizing procedures.
Project and Team Management:
- Proven ability to independently design, plan, and execute project tasks and scientific R&D.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to produce and present technical information for internal and external audiences.
- Experience managing, mentoring, and developing junior engineers (desirable).
Desirables
- Familiarity with stability testing and analytical methods for organic compound identification.
- A strong desire to work in the waste, recycling, and biotechnology industries.
Benefits and perks
Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:
Benefits:
- A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
- Meaningful EMI Share Options
- A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
- Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality
- Group Income Protection
- Group Critical Illness
- Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
- Cycle to work scheme
- The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable
On-the-job perks
- Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
- Onsite gym
- Various staff social activities
And we are always in the process of reviewing and implementing further on-the-job perks!
